“Some victims, it seems, are more worthy than other victims. This is the clear message sent by a deeply flawed version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that is headed for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Writing at Sojourners‘ blog, God’s Politics, LIRS President Linda Hartke raises strong concerns about H.R. 4970, which would deny vulnerable immigrants “many of the very protections first created by VAWA, and even help perpetrate the abuse from which they are seeking to escape.”

Hartke notes that the bill’s provisions “would deter victims from cooperating with law enforcement and hold victims of abuse to a higher standard than other applicants for immigration benefits.” Her piece, “Violence Against Women Act Faces Congressional Threat,” calls on Members of Congress to “show greater wisdom” as they move towards a vote this week.

It’s crucial that Congress continue to hear from concerned constituents that the immigration provisions of H.R. 4970 are unacceptable. Please add your voice at the LIRS Action Center and encourage friends and family to do the same!